We are pleased to invite library and research support professionals to join us for our Staff Exchange Week at Ghent University, from 17th to 19th June 2025.

In today’s rapidly evolving academic landscape, the adoption of Open Science (OS) and Research Data Management (RDM) practices is becoming essential. Our program, themed around these critical areas, will provide an in-depth look into national and institutional policies, Ghent University services, and tools supporting Open Science and effective data management. Topics will include:

• National and institutional policies on Open Science and Research Data Management
• Developing and supporting Data Management Plans (DMPs),
• OS- and RDM-enabling tools
• Open Access & scholarly communication services
• Training strategy and services and OS support services
• Data preservation, sharing and curation

Participants will benefit from engaging presentations, interactive discussions and practical demonstrations, along with opportunities for knowledge exchange with peers across Europe. Participants will also be expected to prepare a short presentation on their experience with the programme topic. We welcome participants who are eager to share their experiences, engage with innovative approaches to OS and RDM and have a strong interest in contributing to and learning from this international exchange.

The working language of the event is English.

Interested participants should apply by completing the registration form before the deadline (31st January 2025). Applications will be reviewed in the order in which they are received, and those meeting the selection criteria will be notified by 28th February 2025. We encourage early applications to ensure a spot in the programme. The selection criteria can be consulted in the registration form.

Preliminary programme

Day 1: setting the scene

• Get to know each other
• Advancing Open Science within Ghent University
• Legal and regulatory frameworks
  • National and institutional policies on Open Science and Research Data Management
  • Monitoring Open Science progress
  • Legal framework: copyright, OA exception, GDPR, etc.
• The OS team in networks: FRDN & OpenAIRE

Day 2: OS and RDM services

• Data management planning
• Training and support
• Data preservation, sharing and curation
• Open Access as part of a publication strategy

Day 3: OS- and RDM-enabling tools & infrastructure

• DMPonline.be
• RSpace Electronic Lab Notebook
• Biblio academic bibliography and institutional repository
• Zenodo Community
• OSF
• openjournals.ugent.be